Bruce Blanchard

Murrells Inlet, SC Bruce D. Blanchard, Sr., age 73 passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022, at his home in Murrells Inlet, SC., surrounded by his loving family after a long struggle from the effects of his exposure to Agent Orange. Bruce was the devoted husband to Margaret “Sam” Boutot Blanchard for 52 years

Born in Waterbury, CT., on August 19, 1948, Bruce was the son of the late Leonard and Ethel Cross Walker. He was raised in Naugatuck where he met his wife in high school in 1965 and then answered his country’s call and entered the US Army in November of 1967. Bruce was stationed with the 560th LEM Company based in AnKhe, SVN until June of 1969.

Upon his return home, he married his high school sweetheart, raising their children in Naugatuck, CT. They in turn gave him eight cherished grandchildren and four adored and loved great grandchildren, and anxiously awaiting the birth of number five.

Bruce started his Eyelet Toolmaking career with the Scovill Manufacturing Company, entered his apprenticeship at Risdon Manufacturing and finished his career with Braxton Manufacturing.

In 2021 Bruce and his wife moved to Murrells Inlet, SC. Bruce and his wife loved their trips to Cape Cod, Willsboro, NY and especially the 15 years going to Grand Cayman where they made lifelong friendships. His new adventure in South Carolina was cut short much too soon.

Bruce’s love of fishing was passed down to his two children and grandchildren. Always with a funny story to tell and many fond memories in the making.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret “Sam” Blanchard; his children, Bruce, Jr., and his partner, Danielle Diver of Waterbury, CT, Sherri Mercer and husband, Jody of Naugatuck, CT; his beloved grandsons, Zachary Mercer, Jeffrey Mercer and Douglas Blanchard; his adored granddaughters, Megan Wiley and husband, Kyle, Emily Blanchard, Andrea Mercer, Kathryn Blanchard, and Nicole Mercer and also Kaitlyn Riggs (Joe). He also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Robert and Henry Antidormi, Lincoln Wiley, and Oakley Mercer. Bruce was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Morgan Wiley later this month. Also left to cherish his memory were Murphy, Amelia and former daughter-in-law, Jennifer Anderson.

Having left behind his best friend and brother, Lenny “Zip” Walker (Janette Steward) and countless numbers of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Bruce was pre-deceased by his brother, Ronald Blanchard, sister, Helen Alecca, beloved brothers-in-laws, Lou Bennett and John Alecca and sister-in-law, Suzanne Boutot (Jerry).

In lieu of flowers and to honor Bruce’s memory, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project @ www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Agent Orange – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, at www.vvmf.org.

Cremation Services Direct of Myrtle Beach is in charge of South Carolina arrangements. At Bruce’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church Street, Naugatuck, CT. Naugatuck arrangements are entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.